Opened by the graceful doxology of its residents, the Elsie Gaches Village through a ceremony on February 5, 2016, concluded the center’s celebration of its 52nd founding anniversary held in Alabang, Muntinlupa City.

Maria Haley while delivering her welcome remarks to the attendees of EGV’s 52nd founding anniversary celebration.

In her opening remarks, Maria Haley a resident of EGV for 11 years expressed his endless gratitude to the staff and benefactors of the center as they unselfishly provide the needs of children like her.

Meanwhile in her key note message, Civil Service Commission Chairperson Alicia R. Bala recognizes on how the center empowered the residents as showcased by Maria Haley who is amidst her condition was able to effectively deliver her opening message to the attendees.

“EGV is the first and probably the largest haven for children with special needs which is being ran by the government and I think this is something that DSWD should be proud of. Ako ay natutuwa kanina noong si Maria Haley ang nagbigay ng pambungad na pananalita I thunk this is the first time that I’ve been in a service center in NCR na ang nagbibigay ng pambungad na pananalita sa isa sa ating residente. Ibig sabihin, ito ay pruweba na ang inyong patuloy na pagtulong sa kanila ay marami ng idinulot na pagbabago sa kanila… marunong na silang magsalita sa harapan ng tao, marunong na silang ngumiti, manguna sa pagdadasal at marami pang iba,” Chairman Bala shared.

As representative of EGV’s benefactors, Mr. Manuela Vergel de Dios, Agency Manager of Wealth Coaches Phils. narrated how his family was emotionally and spiritually moved by the residents of the center.

“Six (6) years ago my son shared to me one night that his school had a field trip in EGV, we ended our talk with him saying ‘Daddy

Ms. Teresita Valentino, Head Social Worker of EGV (from left), CSC Chairman Alicia Bala, Mr. Manuela Vergel de Dios and DSWD-NCR Regional Director Vincent Andrew T. Leyson during the awarding of plaque of appreciation to partner benefactors of the center.

thank you’ when two hearts connect, no further explanation is needed. Three (3) years after it was my turn to experience EGV together with my officemates we were given guided tour of the place as part of our pre-Christmas celebration. The welcoming smile and the super sunshine personalities of the residents finally gave me a better appreciation on why my son had such an earth-moving

experience 3 years ago, but what really move us are the adults in scrub suits that remain so focused in taking care of the residents, feeding them, prepping them to sleep, giving them medicine as if they were their own children. They are not really care givers but they serve as parents of these children. Since then, our group chose to help the center,” Mr. De Dios humbly shared.

As part of the celebration, a total of five (5) benefactors/ donors and ten staff were recognized by DSWD-NCR for their exemplary efforts in significantly contributing to the operation of EGV.

The program was closed by the message of DSWD-NCR Regional Director Mr. Vincent Andrew T. Leyson where he highlighted that “children with special needs need special people so please let us continue supporting them.”

EGV is a residential care facility being managed by DSWD-NCR which caters mentally challenged persons with underlying medical/ special needs and is now handling 607 residents. ###